Leighton Buzzard Colts travelled in their now familiar barbarian format to high flying Harpenden. Two early tries would make the struggle even more difficult. However, the Buzzards never changed their attitude and attacking flair despite the early setbacks. Sam Beaumont broke the Harpenden defensive line and sent Rhys Richards scampering towards the line but some desperate cover defence stopped the attack just short. The pack,whose scrummaging was dominant, provided good ball for the backs and this time it was Dane Richards with a 30 metre jinxing run who opened the scoring for the visitors. Harpenden hit back again but Max Green, showing his immense strength and speed, stole the ball inside his own 22 and raced 70 metres towards the try line to be caught 5 metres short. The pack recycled well and again Beaumont, Gaillie and Richards linked well to crash over in the opposite corner for the team’s second try. Halftime 26 -12 to Harpenden.
The second half started a in similar vein to the first, with Harpenden stretching their lead. But still Buzzards refused to cave in and kept tackling the powerful home team. Midway through the half George Pratt showed his class when he wove his way through three defenders to score a fantastic individual try to close the gap. Harpenden’s scrum was now beleaguered and the scrums became uncontested which definitely helped the home side. Buzzards continued to work hard and a quick tap penalty saw a fine try for the ever-improving ,quick thinking Julian Gaillie, under the posts. Beaumont converted his third of the day to finish the scoring with Harpenden running out worthy winners 46 – 26 , but they know they were hard pushed to the end.
Strongest performance of the season against a classy opposition!